Zebra Moray

Scientific Name: Gymnomuraena zebraFamily: Muraenidae

About the Zebra Moray

Species Type: Saltwater FishCategory: Eels

Care Level: Difficult. Healthy specimens may be difficult to find, as stress during shipping is normal. Triggering a feeding response in captivity may present a challenge, or meeting the dietary demands of the species may require special daily care. Is prone to disease, requiring high water quality. Proper acclimation and quarantine are essential, and the use of a UV Sterilizer is suggested. Recommended for advanced marine hobbyists only.

Origin: Indo-Pacific

Compatibility/Temperament: 2

Description

This colorful eel is one of the less boisterous morays in the market trade. It has a black and white striped body(hence Zebra) that is continuous throughout its lifetime. It can grow up to 3' 1/2" ft. and will need a tank with a minimum of 75 gallons.
While morays are not exactly beginner species, this is one exception as it can be housed with smaller fish and certain invertebrates. Its menacing looks are not to be judged at first sight, this eel will not attack fish or its owner .It is incompatible in a reef tank as it will attack and topple coral structures.
The Zebra Eel will need plenty of caves and hiding places as it is shy when first introuced to a tank. Live Rock structures and PVP pipes are some basic shelters needed by these species. Althought shy it will eventually pass and, with time, it can be seen wondering the tank during daylight hours.

Zebra Moray Diet

It is difficult to feed, will need live foods at first, but will adapt to frozen foods over. Prefers meaty foods including shrimp, fish skin, chopped up silver sides.

Size

Ideal water parameters for Zebra Moray

Marine fish are highly sensitive animals with very specific care requirements. Most all saltwater species will require similar water conditions, designed to replicate that of natural seawater. Ammonia and nitrite levels should absolute zero, temperature at 76F to 80F, and salinity at 1.024 to 1.026. Although some fish are tolerant of lower levels of Nitrate, the goal in every aquariums should be to keep Nitrate as close to zero as possible, and certainly under 20ppm. Finally, maintaining a stable pH of 8.0 to 8.4 is desired. Achieving this is made easier by monitoring alkalinity, which should be kept at 8-12 DKH, and calcium, which is targeted at 400 to 460ppm.